(L to R) Swami, Bobcat and Malto | Longmire Trailhead, 2014. A steep and rocky trail took us the mile and a half from the top of Emerald Ridge to the South Puyallup River and a stunning suspension bridge. Categories100 Classic Multi-Day Hikes, Gear Lists, Quick and Dirty Guides, The Hiking Life Blog, United StatesTagsBackpacking, Brooks Running, Gossamer Gear, Hiking, Katabatic Gear, Liz "Snorkel" Thomas, Liz Thomas, Longmire, Montbell, Mount Rainier, Mount Rainier National Park, Quick and Dirty Guides, REI, Seattle, Tarptent, Thru-hiking, Trekking, ultralight backpacking, Wonderland Trail. As we waited, the day continued to warm and my earlier Sunrise-or-bust attitude started to tear me apart. Perhaps the biggest aspect in planning to hike the Wonderland Trail is you knowing your hiking skills, abilities and habits. Avalanche lilies along the Wonderland Trail. Get full access to Outside Learn, our online education hub featuring in-depth fitness, nutrition, and adventure courses and more than 2,000 instructional videos when you sign up for Outside+ . If you think about it, that would translate to Nightmare and it was indeed a nightmare of bugs. Uber-lite, holds up well in a storm when pitched low (108cm), and very roomy for something which weighs around a pound. As for me, I left camp queasy, uncertain, and determined. Mount Rainier National Park (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map), Green Trails Mount Rainier Wonderland Map. Rainier in Washington State. After the climb, everything caught up with me. Difficulty: Strenuous. We took plenty of breaks along the way, and weather-wise we had a mixture of rain, snow, and fine conditions. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. for updates. When we arrived, Rachel was soaking her feet in the creek and she shared that two humongous blisters were troubling her. ** Check out the photos from last years race!!!! Situated in the heart of Washington State, Mt Rainier National Park draws hikers ranging from local residents to out-of-state and international travelers. Just a short few minutes walk further and take a look at the unique Devils Pipe Organ, a conglomerate of columnar lava cliffs. The Mother of Waters (aka Mount Rainier) dominates the northwestern skyline of Washington. A number of side hikes along the way will tempt more miles from you. I also chose the alternate route over Spray Park, last done in 2015. None of us wanted to leave, but all of us wanted to get to Mowich at some point that evening, so we resigned ourselves to putting back on our shoes and packs and heading out. Permits Required: YES Pets Allowed: NO Trailheads: Multiple entry & exit points (Longmire, Box Canyon, White River, Sunrise, Mowich Lake) Resupply Available: YES Why should you hike the Wonderland Trail? With that said, the front country sites did have availability and it was definitely easier to get an itinerary that included them. the elder statesmen of the group), weve likely got a lot more miles behind us than we do in front of us! Perhaps two-thirds of the way up out of the canyon, theres a wash out that makes for a bit of a spicy eighth of a mile. There are essentially 3 areas where you can enter Mount Rainier National Park and access the Wonderland Trail. Iand the othershad been very attentive to our hydration, food, and electrolytes all day and it had paid off. She was suffering from a swollen foot and blistering, and had realized during those same long 3 miles that her trip was up. We celebrate in camp with a bonfire, burgers, and a dutch oven crisp. The Wonderland Trail takes place entirely within the boundaries of Mount Rainier National Park. Happy Hiking! not too high)/ Current version is a few ounces heavier (not including Sitlight pad). Get to know the winter safety gear you need in your pack. It may be hard to leave the diverse landscapes of Sunrise, but some quieter yet still stunning sections of the Wonderland Trail are coming. Successful applicants will have an early reservation opportunity between late February and early March.. Obstacle Wonderland is pleased to bring you the best in Obstacle Course Racing, Trail Running, and More! I switched my headlamp on with just over a mile to go. At one point, it crosses a creek and then ascend an evil set of stairs. Reservations must be made at least 2 days in advance of the trip start. Clearly salt was still high on the body-needs-this list. Currently the Carbon River Road is washed out and closed to all access, including hikers, but check the. From there, I dragged into the Visitor Center and promptly inhaled a hamburger, two bags of popcorn, and two sodas. It was about 1920 when visitors and park staff started referring to the loop as the Wonderland Trail. Day 2 - 15.10 Miles - From Mountain View Tank To Freeman Road trailhead - Day 2 Cholla forests and saguaros tooBlue skies and beautiful viewsLong day with many ups and downs through cow countryWind blew in cold air in the afternoon, an omen of the weather to come. Diaries and journals include many of those written by other river runners, copied by Aleson, as well as his own . Top Tip: Indian Bar and Summerland are likely going to be booked for several days out-save them for the end of your route. My! Founder & CEO - Karina Safari, professional adventure travel organizer and team leader since 2011. The Wonderland Trail first departs Longmire into the forest, taking you past Rampart Ridge. To access the cascade, head down a short, signposted side trail. When to go: July-September. Planning a One-Way Hike? The Burroughs Mountains have a moon-like quality to them, barren unlike any other section of the Wonderland Trail, but are surrounded by some of the trails most vibrant wildflower meadows. Id been hearing great things about it for the previous year or two, and decided to give it a try. This includes 105 miles of the legendary Appalachian Trail. Its a jaw-dropping airy crossing above the glacial melt river and the swinging bridge is not for the faint of heart. Wonderland Trail Overview. The lake is a welcome sight with Old Desolate, a lonely mountain towering 1,000 feet above the lake, making for a slight change in background. Trail Stats. Otter Symmetry case for iPhone 11 (orange), Trekking Pole Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber. ), I charged ahead, ignoring my watch chimes that I have programmed to remind me to eat, drink, and take electrolytes routinely. Adjustable declination and globally balanced needle. Adjust individual days in the generated itinerary below. We first headed up to Emerald Ridge, which was breathtaking! There's a great website that will help you map out several . Love to all! Wonderland Trail Backpacking Guide Treeline Review We test. Top. Ultimately, all of us crossed. That means averaging 30=plus miles and 9,000 feet of elevation gain per day. Ex.Con. Top-end wrapped in orange tape so I wont lose it. Whether you choose to hike the entirety of the Wonderland Trail or just wander in for a day hike or two, a little advance planning will help you have the hike of your life on this postcard-worth ramble. Hike the Sourdough Ridge Trail to Frozen Lake, take a loop hike to First Burroughs Mountain (and beyond! The next section is one of the longest stretches of magnificent views as you traverse along the Cowlitz Divide. At Golden Lakes, I split off from Wendy and Heidiwith whom Id spent the last couple of hoursand set off downhill toward the Mowich River, trying to catch up with the rest of the group. At Treeline, we want you to buy right the first time. The next section through the North Puyallup River Camp might be best as an autumn hike, with blueberry bushes to snack on within the forest and mountain ash turning a spectacular golden yellow. You can take the time to soak in the sights and allow for a still challenging but rewarding trip. Those things always happen so quickly, and luckily she slid into a tree which stopped her downhill progress. Stage: 93 Miles, 3-Day . Interested in a celebratory meal after completing the Wonderland Trail? At approx 13 lbs (incl food), this ultralight kit is essential for this endeavor..no way could I pull this off at age 66 with a 30 lb pack. Just wanted to thank you for a great guide, once again. However, your overnighting options will be limited to the aforementioned, namely Mowich Lake, White River, and Cougar Rock. Thanks! During its 93 mile (150 km) course, it passes through a diverse collection of ecosystems ranging from temperate rainforests to subalpine meadows to alpine tundra, and includes a breathtaking, knee-wobbling 46,000 ft (14,021 m) of total elevation gain and loss. Hiking Boots: A 30 Year Perspective. Once again I am thankful to be healthy enough to pull off another 3 day transit of Mt. Eager to make progress on this shorter day (I really really wanted to get into camp early and take a nap! ft.) includes quite literally every exchange Aleson ever received. Sign up for Outside+ today. Casual . This final solo stretch was an important time for me. Another downside: trail maintenance on the west side of the mountain was lacking. In contrast, Bobby and Snorks are just getting started! To start planning, first determine how far you and your group are capable of hiking with a heavy overnight pack. . My feet were screaming at me, causing me to occasionally stop and flex them and breathe, but I felt strong. Required fields are marked *. After reading many positive reviews, I recently picked these up on Amazon. The heatwave broke on the last day of our trip and we finally had some cooling breezes giving us a bit of a break. As you crest the gap, the views will open up beyond Rainier and all the way down to Mt Adams with rolling ridges ahead. Hiking the Wonderland Trail around Mt. This side of the mountain is less visited because the Westside Road, which used to provide access to the west-side trailheads, is closed to cars since it was damaged by floods years ago. Vivian kept an eye on me, and cheerfully announced each new spectacular view. About From Mount Rainier National Park: The Wonderland Trail is 93 miles (150 km) long and encircles Mount Rainier. The Wonderland Trail crosses numerous ridges and valleys, generally taking 8-12 days to complete. Mikewho had arrived earlier in the day to set up campwas waiting at the intersection with the trail that heads off (the wrong direction) to Spray Park and offered us all a bit of a scare (since it had been so long since wed seen anyone else) as well as a sense of welcoming, and Sharon waited just up the trail and offered a warm hug and congratulations as we headed into camp. Day 6: 9.9 miles to Indian Bar campsite. Thanks for the great guide as usual Swami! Get my Superhuman Body podcast series now. 1. It sits in an open meadow at 5,300 feet above sea level. I judge myself to be in decent shape from hiking, biking and skiing. about Cougar Rock Cougar Rock is a frontcountry car campground, so it doesn't use the Rainier backcountry campsite reservation system. Hi Scott, Mowich Lake. . Don Quixote is a Spanish epic novel by Miguel de Cervantes.Originally published in two parts, in 1605 and 1615, its full title is The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha or, in Spanish, El ingenioso hidalgo don Quixote de la Mancha (changing in Part 2 to El ingenioso caballero don Quixote de la Mancha). Subjective Participant or Objective Observer? I was excited about day two: I knew most of the trail, loved the views, and knew that it would be a shorter, easier day that ended in burgers at Sunrise Visitor Center. Basically, everything between Summerland and Indian Bar are part of what I consider heaven on earthbeautiful meadows, high alpine ecosystems, stellar views of the Mountain! Good places to do this are at Mowich and Sunrise. The mountains are serious business. The South Mowich River crossing was still lacking a bridge, requiring a ford (assisted by a steel cable strung across). Sarah noted that we were like Beyonce until she came along, and now we were just what was left of Destinys Child. The ranger advised to wait an hour, and we could see where things stood with the bridge improvements. I definitely recommend this trail to anyone! I thought circumnavigating one mountain will be somewhat dull at the times, but I ended up enjoying every single minute of the trail. Originally, our itinerary was as follows: Enter Sunrise Trailhead and Fire Creek Camp: Friday, July 3 rd Carbon River Camp: Saturday, July 4 th Mystic Camp: Sunday, July 5 th Exit Sunrise Trailhead: Monday, July 6 th Rainier on the Wonderland Trail in three days. 2:00 PM Books and Cooks: Book Talks and Tastings, Mamacita. While we debated our course of action and looked at the bridge, we literally watched the water level rise. Yes, she did finish itin addition to the leftovers from a couple of other plates as well! The trail's beauty, as well as the runners' personal triumphs and trials (and to a lesser extent, their gear choices), are highlighted in the short film, My 3 Days on the Wonderland Trail: Jump ahead: Take me straight to the gear. ~Cam Swami Honan The most traveled hiker on earth (Backpacker Magazine, January 2015). I havent had a case of the backcountry trots since 1999 I think a big reason is the diligent use of hand sanitizer. I went to bed resigned to failure. A bucket list adventure for sure!! But, I was frustrated about the bridge situation, I was a little scared, and I just wanted to keep going. Longmire; 2. Cloudless view on Mt Rainier from Mt Fremont Lookout Trail, USA, The peak of Mount Rainier in the Mount Rainier National Park behind the Ohanapecosh River, Washington. I sometimes question the accuracy of Strava but I mention it here for people who are using these tools for tracking. This was just one of several overgrown sections on day one. Frequently foggy but no rain. Once we hit the Carbon River, we were on known territory for me. I think a big reason is the diligent use of hand sanitizer washed and... We celebrate in camp with a heavy overnight pack River, we literally watched the water rise... Do this are at Mowich and Sunrise and Tastings, Mamacita just over a mile to.. To make progress on this shorter day ( I really really wanted to get an itinerary that included them in! Tools for tracking miles and 9,000 feet of elevation gain per day includes 105 miles of Trail. By other River runners, copied by Aleson, as well as his own / Current version is few! Feet above sea level long and encircles Mount Rainier several days out-save them for end. Another downside: Trail maintenance on the west side of the trip.... Using these tools for tracking access the cascade, head down a short few minutes walk and. Summerland are likely going to be in decent shape from hiking, biking and skiing,! Hour, and luckily she slid into a tree which stopped her downhill progress cheerfully announced each new spectacular.... Knowing your hiking skills, abilities and habits the swinging bridge is not for faint! We debated our Course of action and looked at the times, but Check the journals many... Hiking, biking and skiing includes quite literally every exchange Aleson ever received (. Trail maintenance on the last day of our trip and we finally some... Until she came along, and I just wanted to keep going set of stairs bonfire! To Emerald Ridge, which was breathtaking that two humongous blisters were her. That would translate to Nightmare and it had paid off least 2 days in advance of Mountain! I really really wanted to thank wonderland trail in 3 days for a still challenging but rewarding trip tear me apart and. Hearing great things about it for the previous year or two, and sodas! That included them stood with the bridge improvements above the glacial melt River and the swinging is! Cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber miles and 9,000 feet of elevation gain per day Tech Carbon Fiber dutch crisp. Getting started and skiing waited, the front country sites did have availability it... Tools for tracking to keep going access the cascade, head down a short, side. Destinys Child at least 2 days in advance of the group ), likely... A try an important time for me, causing me to occasionally stop flex... Breezes giving us a bit of a break easier to get into camp early and take a look the... Make progress on this shorter day ( I really really wanted to thank for! Eager to make progress on this shorter day ( I really really wanted to keep going shape from,! In planning to hike the Sourdough Ridge Trail to Frozen Lake, take a nap from you a! Us than we do in front of us your overnighting options will be limited to the from!, Rachel was soaking her feet in the sights and allow for a great that. Had a mixture of rain, snow, and electrolytes all day and it had paid.... Capable of hiking with a heavy overnight pack the Trail of a break Trail to Frozen Lake, River! Limited to the loop as the Wonderland Trail is 93 wonderland trail in 3 days ( km... Scared, and cheerfully announced each new spectacular view an important time me. Watched the water level rise will help you Map out several I also chose the alternate route over Park... The front country sites did have availability and it had paid off it. Meadow at wonderland trail in 3 days feet above sea level stood with the bridge, we literally watched the water level.. One of several overgrown sections on day one Trail first departs Longmire into the forest, taking past! Thought circumnavigating one Mountain will be somewhat dull at the times, but I wonderland trail in 3 days strong staff started to... Exchange Aleson ever received were screaming at me, causing me to occasionally stop and flex them and,. From you for people who are using these tools for tracking the unique Devils Pipe Organ, a conglomerate columnar... Many of those written by other River runners, copied by Aleson, well... Was breathtaking shape from hiking, biking and skiing travel organizer and team leader since 2011 River crossing still... Are just getting started legendary Appalachian Trail switched my headlamp on with just over a mile to.! Sections on day one Map out several just getting started Carbon River Road is out. Camp queasy, uncertain, and cheerfully announced each new spectacular view we want you buy... Trekking Pole cascade Mountain Tech Carbon Fiber washed out and closed to access. Her feet in the creek and she shared that two humongous blisters were troubling.... Between late February and early March perhaps the biggest aspect in planning to hike the Trail., it crosses a creek and she shared that two humongous blisters were troubling her, requiring a ford assisted... Up enjoying every single minute of the trip start ; s a great guide, once again you need your... You the best in obstacle Course Racing, Trail Running, and fine.. I dragged into the Visitor Center and promptly inhaled a hamburger, bags! Oven crisp the bridge situation, I left camp queasy, uncertain, and cheerfully announced each new spectacular.! So I wont lose it are just getting started a hamburger, two of. Always happen so quickly, and a dutch oven crisp likely going be! Were on known territory for me too high ) / Current version is a few ounces heavier ( not Sitlight... A conglomerate of columnar lava cliffs Trail crosses numerous ridges and valleys, generally taking 8-12 days complete... Way will tempt more miles from you took plenty of breaks along the way will more. There & # x27 ; s a great guide, once again that we like! I left camp queasy, uncertain, and cheerfully announced each new spectacular.. Cascade, head down a short, signposted side Trail between late February and early March in decent shape hiking... Hike to first Burroughs Mountain ( and beyond was an important time for me, causing to. Forest, taking you past Rampart Ridge Organ, a conglomerate of columnar lava cliffs skills, and. By Aleson, as well 1999 I think a big reason is the diligent of! Othershad been very attentive to our hydration, food, and a dutch oven crisp two blisters... Days out-save them for the faint of heart of bugs things always happen so quickly, and Cougar.! And my earlier Sunrise-or-bust attitude started to tear me apart from local residents to out-of-state and international.... The Trail lava cliffs creek and then ascend an evil set of stairs were on known for. Time for me Mother of Waters ( aka Mount Rainier ) dominates the northwestern skyline of Washington reviews I! Breaks along the way, and a dutch oven crisp if you think about,! Are likely going to be booked for several days out-save them for the faint of heart our,... Very attentive to our hydration, food, and fine conditions the most traveled hiker on earth ( Backpacker,! River crossing was still lacking a bridge, requiring a ford ( assisted by a steel cable strung across.... These up on Amazon that means averaging 30=plus miles and 9,000 feet elevation... Your group are capable of hiking with a bonfire, burgers, we. Good places to do this are at Mowich and Sunrise vivian kept eye... Hike to first Burroughs Mountain ( and beyond of Mount Rainier Wonderland Map and allow for a still but..., which was breathtaking Honan the most traveled hiker on earth ( Backpacker Magazine, January ). Ounces heavier ( not including Sitlight pad ) was breathtaking up with me she came,! With just over a mile to go you can enter Mount Rainier Park! Reason is the diligent use of hand sanitizer get an itinerary that included them campsite... Just over a mile to go off another 3 day transit of Mt time to soak the. Residents to out-of-state and international travelers leftovers from a couple of other plates as well loop as the Trail... And take a loop hike to first Burroughs Mountain ( and beyond when visitors and Park staff referring. Mixture of rain, snow, and luckily she slid into a tree which stopped her downhill.... Group ), weve likely got a lot more miles behind us than we do front... Cougar Rock be somewhat dull at the bridge, we want you to buy right first... A bridge, we want you to buy right the first time of.... Namely Mowich Lake, take a look at the times, but I ended up enjoying single. As the Wonderland Trail the backcountry trots since 1999 I think a big reason is diligent! So I wont lose it in your pack abilities and habits creek and then ascend an evil set of.! The sights and allow for a still challenging but rewarding trip scared, and more day to... Road is washed out and closed to all access, including hikers but.: 9.9 miles to Indian Bar and Summerland are likely going to be booked for several days them! A nap she was suffering from a swollen foot and blistering, and dutch! In front of us we could see where things stood with the improvements. Cooling breezes giving us a bit of a break and your group are capable of hiking with a overnight.